A Panama hat is the perfect fashion accessory for anyone traveling to a warmer climate. Not only is it fashionable but it is also functional. It will help keep the sun out of your eyes and will prevent sunburn on your scalp and face. One problem many travelers face is trying to pack their Panama or Fedora hat in their suitcase. So do you want to know how to pack a Panama hat in a suitcase for traveling? It’s easy and we’ll teach you how!
The video below will show you exactly how to roll a panama hat so it will fit perfectly into your suitcase or carry-on luggage without damaging the hat. We also have some do’s and don’ts for traveling with your hat as well as some important tips for caring for a Fedora hat.
Above Image: Pineapple & Star Sun Straw Fedora Hat
Table of Contents
How to Roll a Panama Hat for Packing
Rolling a Panama hat for traveling is easy. First, place a fist inside the hat and push the top up so the hat flattens. Second, start from one side of the hat and begin to roll it tightly. Once it is rolled, it will look like a cone. Now you can place a rubber band, hair tie or string around it to keep it from unrolling or you can place it into the box that came with it, if it’s available. Then you can put it in a suitcase or bag, making sure to pack your clothes around it so it won’t get crushed.
Stiff Hats: If you own a Panama hat that is very stiff and hard, then rolling it may cause it to crack. This can be avoided by steaming your hat or misting it with water before rolling it.
Unrolling Your Hat
When you are ready to unroll your Panama hat, take it out of your suitcase and remove the rubber band or string that is keeping it rolled up. Slowly unroll it and unfold it. Place your hand inside the hat and use your fingers to form an indent in the top of the hat. Form a point in the front of the hat and flatten the brim. If your hat is wrinkled or deformed, you can lightly steam it and smooth the wrinkles.
Do’s & Don’ts For Packing a Panama
Here are a few things you should and shouldn’t do when taking your Panama hat on vacation with you:
Do – Steam Out Wrinkles in Your Hat
If your hat has a lot of wrinkles after unpacking it, you can lightly steam it. These hats are not meant to get wet so do not drench the hat but, lightly steaming the hat is fine and will not hurt it. If you don’t have a travel steamer, you can run some hot water in the sink of your hotel and place the hat under a towel over the sink. The steam from the hot water will rise up and onto the hat. Smooth out the wrinkles, make sure it is the shape you want and let it dry.
Do – Roll Your Panama Hat
The best way to pack a Panama hat in a suitcase is by rolling it up and carefully placing it in between your clothes.
Do – Store Your Hat Unrolled
A Panama hat should be stored unrolled. Leaving the hat rolled up for a long period of time will deform the hat and will ruin it. Try not to leave the hat rolled for more than a few days. If you are going on a road trip, you may want to wear your hat instead of packing it away.
Don’t – Roll Standard Weave Hats
If you have a standard weave Panama hat, do not roll it. This will ruin the weave. Instead of rolling the hat, place it in your suitcase upside down and pack your clothes around it. You can also place some clothes inside the hat to help it keep its shape. A rolled up t-shirt or balled up socks placed inside the hat will help save space inside your suitcase.
Don’t – Fold a Panama Hat
A Panama hat can be rolled but should never be folded. Folding the hat will cause creasing, deformation and will ruin it.
Don’t – Wear Your Hat in the Rain
Panama hats were designed to keep your face shaded and protected from the sun but they were not designed to protect you from the rain. Most are not waterproof and will shrink or deform if they get wet. If it is raining outside, put your hat away or use an umbrella to keep it dry.
Caring for Your Panama Hat
Panama hats are a great thing to own and wear but to keep them in tip-top shape, there are a few things you need to do to maintain them.
Handling & Storing
The front point of a fedora hat is prone to cracking so try not to hold the hat from the top. The best way to handle a Panama hat is by picking it up from the brim. Always store the hat unrolled and with the brim flat on a shelf or in a drawer.
Reshaping a Panama Hat
There are a few different ways to reshape your hat. The top way to reshape it is by misting it with a steamer and then smooth out the wrinkles. Another way is by using a blow dryer to warm the hat up, making the fabric more flexible and easier to reshape. The top of the hat can be reshaped by placing it over a bowl or round object. The brim can be reshaped by placing a damp towel on top of it and then iron it. Make sure the iron is not too hot or you could burn the hat.
How to Clean a Panama Hat
Most Panama hats don’t need much cleaning. Dust the hat off regularly using a dry cloth and if it has some stubborn dirt, then you can use a baby wipe to clean it. Never use soap and water on your hat.
Now you know how to back a Panama hat in a suitcase for traveling as well as how to clean and care for a Panama hat. If you are searching for a hat to buy, then check out the top rated Panama hats on Amazon by clicking here. Finally, here is a video guide about the history of Panama hats that will give you even more information about these amazing hats.